Spring was here and now it is Summer!

Wow, I am amazed at how fast time has flown by in our busy days. We have continued to support students and their families through their academics, their personal stories, transitions and the creation of summer plans. As school comes to an end, I want to thank all the amazing Youth and Family Counsellors for all their commitment and passion for working with youth and their families this past year.

Thank you for your participation on the several committees especially our Professional Development Committee!  Thank you for your contributions to our association meetings. Your presence, input and feedback has been invaluable!

I am looking forward to an exciting September keeping in mind that this is our final contractual year... lots to contemplate this Fall.

May this summer be one of rejuvenation and fun!

~in collaboration~

Mitchel du Plessis

*Warm Winter Wishes to all of you amazing Youth and Family Counsellors*

 I want to say thank you to everyone for your integrity, hard work and dedication to the children, youth and their families with whom we work. It is our creativity and ability to work outside the box that often helps with the difficult and rewarding work we do. I hear over and over again about the great work and collaboration we are providing to students and families in our Schools….so with Gratitude, thank you!

Please note that our interim reports are due January 22, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact: Anne Field, Lisa Roy or Kathie Cross.

I am hopeful that this time over the Winter break will be one of relaxation, joy and regeneration for all!

 Happy Holidays ~ Best Wishes for the New Year

Mitchel du Plessis

2009/2010 year

I hope that everyone had a great and adventurous summer.

This year we are looking forward to new and exciting endeavors... if you have any thoughts or ideas please send to any of the following people: Ann Field, Lisa Clarabut, Lisa Roy, Jane Bilson, Kathie Cross, or Mitchel du Plessis

Our first Association meeting will take place on Wednesday September 30, 2009. Place: SJ Willis Time: 2:30

The agenda will be sent out on the monday before the meeting.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon,

with respect for all of you,

Mitchel du Plessis

Have you ever wondered what MSN, Piczo and Nexopia are and how they are used by your youth? The following is information from two 13 year old female students in Victoria . It was gathered in April 2007 via questions and prompts for elaboration with the intent of writing an article about How to Keep Yourself Safe on the Internet. The conversation is a transcribed and abridged, but all of their words.

What is MSN?

MSN is an easier more efficient instant messaging way to talk to your friends. You have to download MSN. It’s free and fast. I don’t know what MSN stands for but if you google ‘download messenger’ you can find it. At the bottom you add a contact, type in their MSN and add them. I have a lot of MSN accounts then I import my old contacts. I’ve been on MSN for 5 years. I make new accounts because I get bored. I have about 400 people on my MSN....